Freshman Toppin looks ahead to next season after Dayton’s season ends

Forward sat out season as academic redshirt

WASHINGTON, D.C. —

Freshman forward Obadiah Toppin didn’t get to watch the Atlantic 10 tournament in person. As an academic redshirt, he wasn’t allowed to travel with the Dayton Flyers all season, though he brought spirt to the bench at home games and has helped the team in practice all season.

On Thursday, after Dayton’s season ended with a 77-72 loss to Virginia Commonwealth in the second round of the A-10 tournament, Toppin looked ahead to next season, which will be his first on the court, in an Instagram post.

“I’ve sat out this year and learned a lot,” Toppin said. “I’m gunna miss you (Darrell Davis) and (Joey Gruden). I wish I could have played with ya. But now the time has come, the moment I’ve been waiting for my whole life. I’m finally going to be able to play with my brothers!!”

Toppin will be one of at least three players to suit up for the Flyers for the first time in 2018-19. Freshman Dwayne Cohill will join the team, as will junior college transfer Jhery Matos. Ryan Mikesell also will return to action as a redshirt junior after undergoing hip surgeries and missing this season.